News
CNC launches marketable skills training in Koforidua
THE Centre for National Culture (CNC) has launched a marketable skills training programme in Koforidua to equip both men and women with practical, hands-on skills.
The launch ceremony, held on Tuesday, marks the beginning of the first edition of the initiative aimed at empowering participants to become self-reliant.
About 50 participants would receive training in bead making, batik, tie-and-dye, drumming and dancing, manicure and pedicure, face make-up, interior and exterior decoration, weaving, basic sewing, hairdressing, and fan creation.
The training would span over a month or more, depending on the skill.
Speaking at the launch, the Eastern Regional Director of the CNC, Madam Dorcas Salamatu Alhassan, emphasised that the programme was designed to inspire the youth and help them earn a livelihood from the skills acquired.
She noted that although many young people seek government jobs, opportunities were limited, making self-employment through skill acquisition a viable alternative.
Madam Alhassan revealed that although over 100 people showed interest in the programme, only half could be accommodated due to resource constraints.
She appealed to corporate institutions to support the initiative by sponsoring trainees and providing materials and equipment. Training one person costs between GH¢150 and GH¢250.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Mrs Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, in a speech delivered on her behalf by Alexander Gasu of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), commended the CNC for the initiative.
She said the programme has the potential to promote cultural development and provide economic empowerment to the people of the Eastern Region.
She stressed the CNC’s critical role in preserving and promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage while finding innovative ways to adapt to changing times.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour by the Bekwai Circuit Court for his role in a 2022 robbery at a mining site at Manso Akwasiso in the Ashanti South Region.
The convict, Dominic Ofori, also known as Fanta, was arrested on 16th February 2026 after years on the run. He pleaded guilty before the Bekwai Circuit Court to robbery contrary to Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 Act 29, and was accordingly sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour.
On March 20, 2022, the Manso Adubia District Police received intelligence that a group of armed men from Manso Abodom were planning to attack a mining site at Manso Akwasiso to rob the owner of gold concentrate. Acting on the information, police mounted a coordinated operation and laid an ambush at the site.
At about 5:30 pm the same day, four-armed men arrived at the site, fired indiscriminately, and robbed the miners of their gold concentrate. The police team on surveillance intervened, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Three of the suspects, Abu Abubakar, Musah Latif, and Gideon Takyi, sustained gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead on arrival at St Martins Catholic Hospital at Agroyesum. Dominic Ofori escaped at the time but was later arrested and put before the court.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has assured the public of its continued commitment to combating violent crimes and bringing offenders to justice.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested 45-year-old Isaac Boafo, also known as “Duabo King,” for allegedly publishing false news intended to cause fear and panic.
Police said the arrest follows a viral TikTok video in which Boafo claimed that four officers at the Central Police Station in Kumasi engaged in inappropriate conduct with commercial sex workers during night patrols in Asafo.
Officers from the Police Intelligence Directorate (Ashanti Region) apprehended Boafo after receiving intelligence about the video.
During questioning, he admitted to creating the video to attract views and engagement online, and acknowledged that he could not prove the allegations.
Boafo also admitted making comments about the President of the Republic for content purposes and could not defend those statements.
He has been formally charged and is in detention as investigations continue.
The Ashanti Regional Police have warned the public against publishing or sharing false information on social media, noting that such acts can cause fear, panic, and damage reputations.
They said anyone found engaging in similar conduct will face legal action.
By: Jacob Aggrey
